Shell mitt shell catcher

ABSTRACT

The disclosed apparatus provides a relatively light weight, adaptable spent shell catcher that is useable in a variety of shooting environments, for a variety of firearms, and for a variety of shooting positions.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to apparatus for capturing spent firearm shellsor cartridges. In particular, the disclosure relates to an adaptable,modular, configurable apparatus capable of capturing spent firearmshells or cartridges in a variety of environments, for a variety offirearms, and for a variety of shooting positions.

BACKGROUND

Most rifles, pistols, shotguns, and other firearms eject a spent shellor cartridge in order to be able to load another round of ammunitioninto firing position for the firearm. The spent shell is often ejectedinto the air and left to fall to the ground which can cause a variety ofhazards or other undesirable conditions. For example, at an indoorfiring range, spent shells can get underfoot and cause a tripping orother hazard. Likewise, spent shells can cause similar undesirable andunsightly litter conditions at an outdoor firing range.

Furthermore, as the price of ammunition rises, it may be desirable tocollect spent shells in order to reload them for subsequent reuse andrecycling. However, often when one is shooting outdoors, spent shellscan get lost in the underbrush or grass making retrieval inconvenientand tedious.

In addition, many shooting ranges, for example, those on National ParkService lands, often request that spent shells be collected andrecycled. In some situations, and for the reasons noted above, it mayoften be difficult or inconvenient to collect spent shells after anextended period of shooting.

Existing systems and apparatus for collecting spent shells areinconvenient, especially for the disabled, expensive, or relativelyinflexible and cannot adapt to a variety of shooting environments andconditions. For example, a shooter may want to practice shooting at avariety of moving targets (e.g., sporting clays, or the like) or atmultiple targets that requires the shooter's position, and the ejectiontrajectory of the spent shell or casing, to vary making collection ofthe spent casing inconvenient.

Likewise, existing systems, standard shooting platforms, and apparatusfor collecting spent shells are not easily adaptable to allow theshooter to practice from a variety of positions (e.g., standing, prone,kneeling, etc.) or for use by disabled shooters. Nor are existingsystems easily adaptable to allow for the changing of the ejection pointof the firearm that may occur, for example, when changing from a rifleto a pistol, or when changing from one rifle to another, etc. Otherdrawbacks and disadvantages of current systems and apparatus also exist.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the presently disclosed systems and apparatus reduce oreliminate the above-described disadvantages and drawbacks of currentsystems.

For example, some embodiments of the disclosed apparatus provide arelatively light weight, adaptable spent shell catcher that is useablein a variety of shooting environments, for a variety of firearms, andfor a variety of shooting positions.

Accordingly, disclosed embodiments include a shell catcher apparatus forcatching spent shells or cartridges fired from a firearm, the apparatuscomprising a bench block assembly; a firearm rest; and a net assembly.

In some embodiments, the bench block assembly further comprises a hubconfigured to accept at least a portion of the firearm rest and enableto firearm rest to pivot about the hub.

In some embodiments, the firearm rest further comprises a pad; aspindle; and a net assembly coupler.

In some embodiments, the net assembly further comprise at least one netrod capable of supporting a catcher net in an adjustable manner; and aslide rod configured to enable the adjustable positioning of the netassembly with respect to the firearm rest.

In some embodiments the shell catcher apparatus further comprise atleast one adjustable leg configured to adjust the height of the shellcatcher apparatus.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises atleast one bench top leg configured to enable the shell catcher apparatusto be usable while shooting from a bench top.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises anarm rod, wherein the arm rod is coupled to the shell catcher apparatusin a manner that enables a shooter to pivot at least the net assembly.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises aspacer configured to couple with the firearm rest and add space betweenthe bench block assembly and the firearm rest.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises aremote net coupler configured to enable the attachment of the netassembly to a location other than the firearm rest.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprise aremote mount configured to enable at least the firearm rest and the netassemble to be mounted at a location other than the bench blockassembly.

In some embodiments, the shell catcher apparatus further comprises oneor more legs; and a storage net, wherein the storage net is mountable onthe one or more legs.

Other embodiments, advantages, and features of the disclosed apparatusalso exist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of some basic components for one embodiment ofthe disclosed apparatus.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show, respectively, a perspective and top down view ofthe bench block assembly 20 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partially assembled leg for the shellcatcher apparatus in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of net assembly 70 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a firearm rest 80 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a firearm rest spacer 600 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an arm rod 740 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a bench top leg 90 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a remote net coupler 900 in accordancewith some disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rotatable leg coupler 950 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a storage net 1000 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a remote mount 1200 usable with some disclosedembodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However,it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of some basic components for one embodiment ofthe disclosed apparatus. As shown, the shell catcher apparatus 10 maycomprise a bench block assembly 20, bench block couplers 30, upper legs40, leg couplers 50, lower legs 60, net assembly 70, and firearm rest80. As is apparent, many of these components may have a number ofvariations and alternatives. In what follows, additional details andpermutations of the shell catcher apparatus 10, and its components, aredisclosed as examples of the flexible, adjustable, and versatile natureof the disclosed apparatus. Accordingly, the disclosed shell catcherapparatus 10 is not intended to be limited to particular components andexamples disclosed herein.

In general, the shell catcher apparatus 10 may be constructed using arelatively light weight, but sturdy, material. For example, embodimentsof the shell catcher apparatus may be constructed using plastics, wood,metals, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), rubber, or combinations of the same.

In addition, the shell catcher apparatus 10 may be constructed usingsubstantially inter-changeable parts to facilitate, among other things,the ease of set-up, the change of set-up to various shooting positions,adjustment, and replacement. For example, in some embodiments upper legs40 and lower legs 60 may be substantially identical and interchangeable.Likewise, for the tripod configuration shown in FIG. 1, the upper legs40 may be interchangeable and the lower legs 60 may be interchangeable.Other components, for example, the below-described firearm rest, netassembly, and remote mounts, may also be designed to be interchangeable.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show, respectively, a perspective and top down view ofthe bench block assembly 20 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments. As shown, some embodiments may comprise a bench block disk200. While shown in the figures as a substantially circular disk, benchblock disk 200 may have any suitable shape and may be made of anysuitable material. Bench block assembly 20 may further comprise a centerhub 202 and tripod studs 210. For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, the center hub 202 and the tripod studs 210 are generally tubularand hollow, and sized to an appropriate length (approximately six inchesfor some embodiments) although other configurations are possible.Likewise for the tripod embodiments, three studs 210 are included, butmore or fewer studs 210 may be included in other embodiments. Inaddition, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B show that thestuds 210 may be evenly arranged about the disk 200 (e.g., at every120°, but other configurations may also be used.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partially assembled leg for the shellcatcher apparatus in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in thefigure, a number of couplers can be used to join components together.For example, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where a male bench block coupler30 (e.g., a suitably split and chamfered rod) is intended to mate byinsertion with a female end of the bench block assembly 20 (e.g., in thehollow end of tripod stud 210). Similarly, leg coupler 50 is shown as acompression-type coupler that allows upper leg 40 to slide within to adesired position and then, by tightening the coupler 50 the upper leg 40can be held in place. Other types of couplers, such as threadedportions, latches, adhesives, bolts, clamps, or the like may also beused for any of the couplers disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, cooperation of the bench block couplers 30 and legcouplers 60 enable the shell catcher apparatus to be positioned in thedesired location to catch spent shells. For example, for the embodimentshown in FIG. 3, upper leg 40 may be slid in or out of leg coupler 50until the desired height is reached. Then, by tightening the coupler 50,the upper leg 50 may be held in place at the desired height. Dependingupon the terrain, each leg may be adjusted independently to allow forstable positioning when in use. Likewise, the arrangement can bereversed so that lower legs 60 are adjustable, or both upper legs 40 andlower legs 60 may be independently adjustable. Other configurations arealso possible.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of net assembly 70 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments. As shown, net assembly 70 may comprise a catchernet 702 which may be any suitable net, pouch, sleeve, basket, or thelike to capture the ejected shells or casings. In some embodimentscatcher net 702 may comprise canvas, burlap, nylon, plastic,high-density polyethylene fibers (e.g., Tyvek®), or the like, in orderto provide a relatively lightweight, durable, and flexible net forcatching expended shells while substantially maintaining its shapewithout collapsing.

Catcher net 702 may be of any suitable shape and size. In someembodiments, catcher net is generally shaped as shown and may furthercomprise appropriate straps, pockets, sleeves, edges, or other supportmembers in order to facilitate keeping catcher net 702 in an appropriateconfiguration to catch spent shells, as well as maintain structuraldepth and shape. Furthermore, catcher net 702 may be shaped as shown tofacilitate easy removal of the spent shells once a number have collectedin the net 702. For example, the catcher net 702 may be turned upsidedown to empty the spent shells. Other configurations, such as flaps,zippers, snap closures, or the like are also possible.

In addition, net assembly 70 may also comprise a number of net rods 710to hold the catcher net 702 in a desired configuration. In someembodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4, two net rods 710 may be positionedin sleeves or pockets in the catcher net 702 in order to hold the net inposition, or vary the shape of the net (e.g., by pivoting the rods). Thenet rods 710 may be coupled, through couplers 730, to a slide rod 720.In some embodiments, net rod couplers 730 may comprise a snap-fitconnector, or the like, that enables the net rods 710 to be securelyheld in an adjustable manner so that the height, horizontal position,and rotational angle of the catcher net 702 may be varied with respectto the slide rod 720. As discussed previously, any suitable coupler maybe used for net couplers 730.

FIG. 5 illustrates a firearm rest 80 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments. As shown, firearm rest 80 may comprise a rest pad 800 uponwhich a shooter may rest an arm, hand, or firearm, when shooting. Restpad 800 may comprise any suitable material and shape. For example, restpad 800 may comprise foam, rubber, plastic, cloth, or other suitablematerial. In addition, rest pad 800 may have a texture or may be have asurface treatment that reduces slippage. Other configurations are alsopossible.

Some embodiments of firearm rest 80 may also comprise a spindle 810 orother post or axel for mounting the firearm rest 80. For example, insome embodiments, spindle 810 may fit through center hub 202 of thebench block assembly 20 in such a manner so as to enable rotation of thefirearm rest about the central axis of the center hub 202. Otherconfigurations, such as reversal of the male and female mating parts,are possible.

As also shown in FIG. 5, firearm rest 80 may also include a net assemblycoupler 820. The net assembly coupler 820 may comprise a suitablecoupler for attaching the net assembly 70 to the firearm rest 80. Forexample, some embodiments of the net assembly coupler 820 may comprise asnap fit coupler that engages the slide rod 720 of the net assembly 70in such a manner as to enable slidable adjustment of the net assemblywith respect to the firearm rest. The coupler 820 enables a catch netassembly 70 that joins the apparatus in a location that is substantiallyadjacent the firearm rest 80. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 6 illustrates a firearm rest spacer 600 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments. As shown, one or more spacers 600 may be used toadjust the height of the firearm rest pad 800. Spacer 600 may compriseany suitable shape, thickness, and material capable of adding distancebetween the firearm rest pad 800 and the bench block assembly 20. Forexample, one or more conveniently sized spacers 600 (e.g., 1″, 2″, etc.)may be used to quickly adjust the height of the firearm rest 80. Asshown in FIG. 6, some embodiments of the spacer 600 may be generallycircular with a central through hole to allow spindle 810 to passthrough the spacer 600 and into center hub 202. Other configurations arealso possible.

FIG. 7 illustrates an arm rod 740 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments. In some situations, it may be desirable to enable the shellcatcher apparatus 10 to “follow” the shooter as the shooter moves toshoot at various, potentially moving, targets. In such situations, aswell as others, an arm rod 740 may be coupled to the shell catcherapparatus 10 so that the shooter's arm, hand, or firearm, engages thearm rod 740 and pivots the net assembly 70. Any suitable shape for thearm rod 740 may be employed. For example, a generally curved arm rod 740may be implemented in order to enable the shooter to place an arm insidethe curve and move the firearm rest 80 accordingly.

In addition, arm rod 740 may be coupled to the apparatus 10 in anysuitable manner. For example, arm rod 740 may be coupled, throughcoupler 750, to the slide rod 720 of the net assembly 70. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a bench top leg 90 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments. As shown, bench top leg 90 may comprise ashortened leg configured to mate with tripod stud 210 of the bench blockassembly 20 and enable a shooter to adapt the shell catcher apparatus 10for use in a sitting, prone, bench-top, or numerous other shootingpositions or shooting environments. As shown bench top leg 90 maycomprise a generally Y-shaped leg that engages the tripod stud 210 andenables sturdy operation of the shell catcher apparatus 10. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a remote net coupler 900 in accordancewith some disclosed embodiments. In some situations it may be desirableto shoot from a prone or kneeling position, or to be able to positionthe net assembly 70 at a remote location. In such embodiments, a remotenet coupler 900 may be implemented to attach the net assembly 70 at alocation other than the firearm rest 80. Accordingly, a coupler may beimplemented that attaches to slide rod 720 and some other point, forexample, upper leg 40, lower leg 60, or some other convenient point. Forexample, remote net coupler 900 may comprise a snap fit coupler, clamp,or some other coupler that enables the net assembly 70 to be attached ina convenient place. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rotatable leg coupler 950 in accordance with somedisclosed embodiments. In some situations, it may be desirable to enableanother degree of freedom to position the shell catcher apparatus 10.For example, it may be desirable to incline, decline, or otherwise pivotthe apparatus 10. In such embodiments, a rotatable coupler 950 may beused to couple bench block assembly 20 to the legs (e.g., upper leg 40).Any suitable rotatable coupler 950 may be used, such as a two-member andbolt coupler as shown in FIG. 10. The rotatable leg coupler 950 may befixed, or otherwise permanently attached to the legs, or the bench blockassembly 20, or may be attached with the various quick-connect couplersas disclosed herein. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 11 illustrates a storage net 1000 in accordance with some disclosedembodiments. In some situations it may be desirable to provide a shelf,pouch, or other structure capable of storing additional items (e.g.,ammunition, additional firearms, etc.). In such embodiments, a storagenet 1000 may be included in apparatus 10. For example, storage net 1000may comprise a net or other shelf that spans the space below the legs(e.g., upper legs 40 or lower legs 60) and attaches to the legs with asuitable coupler 1010. For example, storage net 1000 may clip, buckle,tie, or otherwise connect via coupler 1010 and provide a space to storeadditional items, add ballast to stabilize the apparatus 10, or anyother suitable purpose. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 12 illustrates a remote mount 1200 usable with some disclosedembodiments. In some situations it may be desirable to mount the shellcatcher apparatus 10 in a remote location such as a hunting blind orstand, or the like. In such embodiments, a remote mount 1200 may beprovided to couple, for example, the firearm rest 80 and net assembly 70to remote attachment point. A coupler 1202 may be provided to secure theapparatus 10 in place. Any suitable coupler 1202, such as a clamp,snap-fit coupler, or the like may be implemented. Other configurationsare also possible.

As should be apparent from the foregoing, the disclosed shell catcherapparatus 10 provides a relatively lightweight, sturdy, and adaptableapparatus to enable a shooter to catch spent shells or cartridges in awide variety of shooting positions and environments. For example, ashooter may adjust the upper legs 40 and lower legs 60 and position thenet assembly 70 to catch spent shells shot from a hand gun resting onthe firearm rest 80. The shooter may then attach arm rod 740 and taketarget practice at a moving target, or series of spaced-apart targets,while pivoting the net assembly 70 and firearm rest 80 to follow thetargets. The shooter may then reconfigure the apparatus 10 to remove theupper and lower legs (40 and 60) and attach bench top legs 90 to shootfrom a bench top position. In addition, net assembly 70 may be reversedand attached to the firearm rest 80 so that the net assembly 70 issubstantially in front of and over the firearm rest 80 (i.e., withnothing in the way of a freely moving firearm) in order to enable freefirearm shooting (i.e., without use of the firearm rest to support theshooter's firearm, hand or arm). As should be apparent almost limitlesscombinations may be implemented.

Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the presentdisclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all suchmodifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in theart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shell catcher apparatus for catching spentshells or cartridges fired from a firearm, the apparatus comprising: abench block assembly; a firearm rest; and a net assembly.
 2. The shellcatcher apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bench block assembly furthercomprises: a hub configured to accept at least a portion of the firearmrest and enable to firearm rest to pivot about the hub.
 3. The shellcatcher of claim 1 wherein the firearm rest further comprises: a pad; aspindle; and a net assembly coupler.
 4. The shell catcher apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the net assembly further comprises: at least one net rodcapable of supporting a catcher net in an adjustable manner; and a rodconfigured to enable the adjustable positioning of the net assemblyindependent of the firearm rest.
 5. The shell catcher apparatus of claim1 further comprising: at least one adjustable leg configured to adjustthe height of the shell catcher apparatus.
 6. The shell catcherapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: at least one bench top legconfigured to enable the shell catcher apparatus to be usable whileshooting from a bench top.
 7. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1further comprising a rod, wherein the rod is coupled to the shellcatcher apparatus in a manner that enables a shooter to pivot the netassembly and adjust the horizontal positioning of the net independent ofthe firearm rest.
 8. The shell catcher apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a spacer configured to couple with the firearm rest and addspace between the bench block assembly and the firearm rest.
 9. Theshell catcher apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a remote netcoupler configured to enable the attachment of the net assembly to alocation other than the firearm rest.
 10. The shell catcher apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a remote mount configured to enable at leastthe firearm rest and the net assemble to be mounted at a location otherthan the bench block assembly.
 11. The shell catcher apparatus of claim1 further comprising: one or more legs; and a storage net, wherein thestorage net is mountable on the one or more legs.
 12. The shell catcherapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bench block assembly,firearm rest, or net assembly further comprise detachable andsubstantially interchangeable component parts.